Tired of waiting for a new Surface Pro? Check out HP’s tough new 2-in-1

During the Mobile World Congress 2017 show in Barcelona, HP showcased a new 2-in-1 device and a family of new accessories. Called the HP Pro x2 612 G2, the new mobile gadget targets professionals wanting a secure, enterprise-class solution that can be used in the office or on the road. It arrives with an optional detachable “collaboration” keyboard and HP’s Active Wacom Pen for taking notes directly on the screen.

For starters, here are the hardware components that will be used across various pre-built configurations:

For added protection, HP’s new 2-in-1 includes HP Sure Start Gen3 protecting the smart card reader and the system BIOS. It’s also designed to pass MIL-STD 810G tests, meaning it’s highly durable and can take a beating when out on the road. Naturally HP suggests Windows 10 Pro for the Pro x2 612 G2 given the platform’s focus on security and corporate-facing features.

“Explore your creative potential with the extended 165-degree kickstand opening and the optional HP Active Pen with App Launch for a natural inking experience,” the company states. “Share your creations with the touch of a button using the optional HP Pro x2 Collaboration Keyboard.”

HP Pro x2 612 G2 Collaboration Keyboard

According to the company, its new HP Pro x2 612 G2 Collaboration Keyboard is a full-sized, aluminum-accented peripheral sporting backlit keys and a touchpad. It includes dedicated keys for handling video and audio calling functions including volume control, hanging up, placing a call, and more. The keys feature a special coating so that the peripheral can serve as a cover when the HP Pro x2 612 G2 is “closed.”

Here are the specs:

Model number:

1FV38AA

Dimensions:

11.83 x 9.05 x 0.20 inches

Weight:

0.78 pounds

Operating humidity:

10 percent to 90 percent

Operating temperature:

-15 degrees to 55 degrees Celsius

Outer material:

Black PU

Inner material:

Black PU and Plastic

Option kit contents:

Keyboard
Documentation

Compatibility:

HP Pro x2 612 G2

HP Active Pen with App Launch

The HP Active Pen with App Launch peripheral is compatible with the new 2-in-1 device, and it enables users to launch a specific app with just the touch of a button. The pen includes Bluetooth connectivity so that users can assign their favorite app to the built-in button. It also comes packed with three replacement tips, a replacement tip tool, and an AAAA battery.

“Once in range, your tablet detects the pen and cues you where to place it onscreen,” the company says. “Erase, highlight, and click on your content with the two convenient side buttons. Integrated pressure sensors help you control the width of your drawn lines.

HP Pro x2 612 Rugged Case

In addition to the optional keyboard, customers can purchase a rugged case to protect the device in any scenario. It’s designed to be thin and protective at the same time, while passing military-grade roughhousing. It comes with special plugs so that HP Pro x2 612 G2 owners can block and protect unused ports. There’s even a built-in holder for the HP Active Pen.

What’s convenient about this case are the included straps for various transportation options. And when at rest, users can take advantage of the built-in kickstand that enables the tablet to angle back up to 60 degrees. This would be ideal when using the combined tablet and keyboard in a desktop-style work scenario.

HP Elite USB-C Dock

Outside the HP Pro x2 612 G2 and its peripherals and accessories, HP also introduced two USB-based gadgets for extending the connectivity of any device sporting a USB 3.1 Type-C port. The HP Elite USB-C Dock is the beefier of the two, providing a huge number of additional ports like HDMI, gigabit Ethernet, DisplayPort, and so on. It supports up to three additional displays, making it ideal for expanding the HP Pro x2 612 G2’s desktop across multiple monitors.

HP USB-C Travel Hub

Finally, we have HP’s little travel hub, just in case the “elite” model is too bulky for business trips. It has a built-in USB 3.1 Type-C cable and an additional USB Type-C port serving as a pass-through power port. Thus, devices that rely on a USB Type-C port as a power input will receive a charge if the travel hub is connected and the power adapter is plugged into the travel hub’s USB Type-C port.

As the specs show below, the new travel hub adds HDMI and VGA video outputs, and two USB 2.0 ports. That said, for $49, customers can turn their mobile device into a makeshift desktop when on the road. It’s small size and built-in USB 3.1 Type-C cable makes it easy to pack alongside a mobile device too.

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